Colonel Burroughs (retired) was born in Peoria, Illinois, in 1957.  He graduated from Washington Community High School in December 1974.  In January 1975, he enlisted in the United States Army Delay Entry Program as a Private E-1.

Colonel Mikel J. Burroughs (retired) as the Brigade Commander for the 89th Sustainment Brigade.  Colonel Burroughs served 9 years of enlisted service to the grade of E-6/SSG and 29 years of commissioned service culminating at the end of his (37) years of continuous service in the United States Army, Illinois National Guard, and United States Army Reserves on February 1st, 2012.

He is a graduate of Illinois State University with a BS degree in Management and received his Master’s in Strategic Studies through the Army War College.

His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal w/two oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal w/silver oak leaf cluster, Army Achievement Medal w/oak leaf cluster, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal w/Bronze Star, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Humanitarian Service Medal (Mississippi Flood of 1993).

Colonel Mikel J. Burroughs (retired) now resides with his wife Bella, His Mother Wanda in The Woodlands, TX, is the current Chief Executive Officer and former Chairman of the Board for Victory for Veterans, Inc, Member, Board of Directors for the National Veterans Transition Service Inc., AKA REBOOT, and Senior Director, Military/Civilian Debt Acquisition & Relief for RIP Medical Debt (501c3) nonprofit. He volunteers his time with “Warriors for Life” weekly over the last 7 years.  Colonel Burroughs is Married to Bella Burroughs and has three daughters, Kattie, Madalyn, and Lauren.